Pacific Tarn

Pacific Tarn is a glacial lake in White River National Forest located at approximately 13,420 feet elevation. The water body extends roughly 560 feet in length and 464 feet in width, occupying about 4.7 acres of high-altitude terrain.

This lake lacked an official name until the United States Board on Geographic Names formally recognized it in January 2004. The naming followed scientific surveys and measurements of the high-altitude water body.

Scientists and mountaineers gather data about this lake to understand high-altitude water bodies and their response to environmental changes.

The best time to visit is late summer when seasonal wildlife restrictions are lifted, making access easier. The McCullough Gulch Trail provides the main route to this remote alpine destination.

The water reaches a maximum depth of about 28 feet and surface temperatures typically hover around 51 degrees Fahrenheit. These measurements reveal just how extreme the conditions are at this high-altitude site.

Location: Colorado

GPS coordinates: 39.41972,-106.11972

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:07